The return of Shabana FC to top-tier football action is a milestone that saw Kisii town erupt to jubilation. Shabana FC were crowned the National Super League (NSL) champions after finishing the season with 73 points, 4 more than runners-up Murang’a Seal.
In their final match, Shabana clobbered Kisumu All Stars 2-0 in front of their diehard fans who filled the stadium to the brim. As they lifted the trophy, the whole of Kisii town went into party mode.
Shabana fans have all the rights to claim a share of the historic moment, and rightly so.
They saw their beloved club go down and sink to relegation in 2006 and endured 17 years in the cold together. Even when Shabana had no sponsors, the fans contributed towards helping the outfit meet their expenses.
In this article, we look at the leadership of Shabana, its technical bench and players.
Founder: Dogo Khan
The club was established in 1980 by Dogo Khan, a businessman who had a decade earlier established a hardware by the name Shabana. Initially, he assembled a team known as Olympic which later morphed to Shabana.
Secretary General: Elizaphan Kerama
In an interview with a local radio station at the start of the NSL, Kerama promised the Shabana fraternity that they were going to join the top-tier league.
Jared Ombongi Nevaton: Club patron
Jared Nevaton is a businessman whose marriage with Lilian Muli left him in controversy after the later labelled him a ‘community husband.’
Nevaton proved instrumental in revival of Shabana FC in 2011 when the club was fading to whimpers. Initially serving as the chairman, he oversaw a renaissance of Shabana with the club initially ascending from Division One to the National Super League (NSL).
Sammy Okoth – Coach
Under the tutelage of Sammy Okoth, Shabana got promoted to the Football Kenya Federation Premier League. Though he hinted at dumping the side due to financial constraints, the club top management believes the coach will stay after they secured a sponsorship with getting firm Bangbet.
Players
- Bernard Otieno (captain)
- Peter Ogechi (assistant captain).
Goalkeepers
- Mustapha Oduor
- Eric Ongiri
- Remigius Ingosi
Defenders
- Sailas Abungana Sihemi(Right Back),
- Bernard Otieno Jakakimba (Captain)
- George Onyango Dizzo
- Stephen Ochieng Marine
- Absolom Aduda
- Erick Mutoro Omosae
Midfielders (holding and defensive role)
- Wycliffe Ntatha
- Peter Ogechi
- Justine Omando Maasai
- Brian Kiako
- Kevin Okinda
- Samwel Atuti Ponte
- Maurice Dukully
- Brian Magare
Attacking midfielders and strikers
- Dennis Wafula Kalama
- Major Derima
- Bryan Michira
- Prince Mitto Ake,
- Isaac Otieno ‘Otile’
- Cornelius Lusaka Juma
- Augustine Simiyu
- Vincent Nyabuto Socha(20).
Shabana FC Legends
Mike Okoth
He is a retired Harambee Stars striker who became the first Kenyan to play professional football in Europe. Okoth is the father to Divock Origi.
Henry Nyandoro
The late Henry Nyandoro was one of the best talents from Kisii region. He was an alumnus of Kisii School and went on to play for AFC Leopards between 1988 and 1990.
He then joined Shabana between 1990 and 1996. Nyandoro played in the midfield role. Sadly, he succumbed in 1998.
Henry Motego
Born and raised in Gucha, Motego began his career by playing for Shabana FC and helped the club gain promotion to the Kenyan Premier League.
In 1987, the prolific striker was the league’s top scorer with 21 goals ahead of AFC Leopards’ Francis Kadenge and Gor Mahia’s Peter Dawo. His escapades on the field saw Shabana FC finish third in the league behind Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards.
Other notable legends are Richard Otambo and Salim Mabrouk.
